If your looking directly at certain markets reach out to the closest Home depot pro desk and see who their largest customers are.

It's like asking should I have the steak and lobster or fish sticks and ketchup.

My plan would be to rehab the apartments to a decent standard off the bat and then do a big overhaul on them over time.I think it's probably too bigger steak for my appetite off the bat, but it's definitely an interesting prospect.

After a quick search, I found some resources you might like on HUD's website... springfield seemed to be the closest to Holyoke (http://www.springfield-ma.gov/housing/index.php?

Need to verify specifics but was just told about this pocket listing & here's what I know so far:For Sale 200 acre development for only $250K; has 130 lots (~20 lots are already developed with houses); lot size is from 0.75-1.5 acres; in Phase I of development (roads for about 40 homes are graded & graveled with electrical buried), rest of land has not been touched; owner is currently selling individual  lots from $15K - $25K (generally more expensive lots have a well & septic, cheaper lots don't); manufactured or stick-built homes allowed; restrictive covenants attached (waiting for document).Location is in a rural area in the SW; local economy is based on transportation, agriculture, energy, retirement & tourism; 3 miles from a major interstate highway; on a major shortcut between 2 interstate highways; 10 mile radius population is ~ 20K; closest city with over 100K is only 1 hour away; cost of living & living expenses are definitely on the low end, great for retirees and the cheaper than average labor.Quick overview & simple math tells me that only selling 90% of the lots at the low end of $15K is just about $1.5 million.

Will have steak on me if you have time.

Everyone, including my closest family members, told me that this would never work.

There are a few sold duplexes in the past few years but the closest one is area is over 18 months ago. 

@Roger Covin -- When I first started, I was cold calling FSBO and CL to cut my teeth and that's like getting thrown into the lion's den and your only weapon is a piece of steak.

What is significant is what your goals are and what properties (factoring in all the costs you are concerned about) bring you the closest to your goal.